Fluid pouch, system, and method for storing fluid from a tissue site

ABSTRACT

The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue site. The apparatus may include a drape having an aperture, and a fluid pouch coupled to the drape such that the fluid pouch is in fluid communication with the aperture. In one embodiment, the fluid pouch is operable to transfer reduced pressure to the aperture such that the liquid from the tissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch. The fluid pouch may have a cavity that stores the liquid that is drawn from the tissue site. In another embodiment, the fluid pouch may include at least one baffle. The fluid pouch may also include a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel may be operable to store liquid from the tissue site when reduced pressure is applied through the fluid channel.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/648,143, filed Jul. 12, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/229,457, filed Mar. 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,737,650, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/617,792, filed Nov. 13, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,728,044, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/114,827, filedNov. 14, 2008, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to medical treatment systems,and more particular, to a fluid pouch, system, and method for storingfluid from a tissue site.

2. Description of Related Art

Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing a reducedpressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and accelerates thegrowth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of thisphenomenon are numerous, but one particular application of reducedpressure involves treating wounds. This treatment (frequently referredto in the medical community as “negative pressure wound therapy,”“reduced pressure therapy,” or “vacuum therapy”) provides a number ofbenefits, including migration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissues,improved blood flow, and micro-deformation of tissue at the wound site.Together these benefits result in increased development of granulationtissue and faster healing times. Typically, reduced pressure is appliedby a reduced pressure source to tissue through a porous pad or othermanifold device. In many instances, wound exudate and other liquids fromthe tissue site are collected within a canister to prevent the liquidsfrom reaching the reduced pressure source.

SUMMARY

The problems presented by existing reduced pressure systems are solvedby the systems and methods of the illustrative embodiments describedherein. In one embodiment, a system for storing fluid removed from atissue site includes a reduced-pressure source operable to supplyreduced pressure and a manifold adapted to distribute the reducedpressure. A drape is provided for covering the manifold, and the drapeincludes an aperture through which liquid from the tissue site istransferred. A flexible fluid pouch is provided in fluid communicationwith the aperture and is positioned adjacent the drape. The fluid pouchincludes at least one baffle and a fluid channel at least partiallydefined by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel is operable tostore liquid from the tissue site when the reduced pressure is appliedthrough the fluid channel.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for storing liquid from a tissuesite includes a drape having an aperture and a fluid pouch in fluidcommunication with the aperture. The fluid pouch includes at least onebaffle and a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at leastone baffle. The fluid channel is operable to store liquid from thetissue site when reduced pressure is applied through the fluid channel.

In still another embodiment, an apparatus for storing liquid from atissue site is provided. The apparatus includes a drape having anaperture and an expandable fluid pouch coupled to the drape such thatthe fluid pouch is in fluid communication with the aperture. The fluidpouch is operable to transfer reduced pressure to the aperture such thatthe liquid from the tissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch. The fluidpouch includes a cavity that stores the liquid that is drawn from thetissue site.

In yet another embodiment, a method for storing liquid from a tissuesite includes applying a drape and a fluid pouch to the tissue site, thedrape having an aperture. The fluid pouch includes at least one baffleand a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least onebaffle. The fluid channel is operable to store liquid from the tissuesite. The method further includes supplying a reduced pressure to thefluid pouch and storing the liquid in the fluid channel.

In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an apparatus forstoring liquid from a tissue site includes forming a flexible fluidpouch. The fluid pouch includes at least one baffle and a fluid channelat least partially defined by the at least one baffle. The fluid channelis operable to store liquid from the tissue site.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the illustrative embodimentswill become apparent with reference to the drawings and detaileddescription that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a system forstoring fluid from a tissue site in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional bottom view of a cover and a fluidpouch of the system of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a fluid pouch forstoring fluid from a tissue site in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the fluid pouch of FIG.3 partially filled with liquid from the tissue site;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid pouch for storing fluidfrom a tissue site in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the fluidpouch of FIG. 4 taken at 6-6;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a fluidpouch for storing fluid from a tissue site in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a fluidpouch for storing fluid from a tissue site in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a fluid pouch forstoring fluid from a tissue site in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fluid pouch for storingfluid from a tissue site in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;and

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a system forstoring fluid from a tissue site in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of several illustrativeembodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form apart hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specificpreferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical,electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary toenable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments describedherein, the description may omit certain information known to thoseskilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore,not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrativeembodiments are defined only by the appended claims.

The term “reduced pressure” as used herein generally refers to apressure less than the ambient pressure at a tissue site that is beingsubjected to treatment. In most cases, this reduced pressure will beless than the atmospheric pressure at which the patient is located.Alternatively, the reduced pressure may be less than a hydrostaticpressure associated with tissue at the tissue site. Although the terms“vacuum” and “negative pressure” may be used to describe the pressureapplied to the tissue site, the actual pressure reduction applied to thetissue site may be significantly less than the pressure reductionnormally associated with a complete vacuum. Reduced pressure mayinitially generate fluid flow in the area of the tissue site. As thehydrostatic pressure around the tissue site approaches the desiredreduced pressure, the flow may subside, and the reduced pressure is thenmaintained. Unless otherwise indicated, values of pressure stated hereinare gauge pressures. Similarly, references to increases in reducedpressure typically refer to a decrease in absolute pressure, whiledecreases in reduced pressure typically refer to an increase in absolutepressure.

The term “tissue site” as used herein refers to a wound or defectlocated on or within any tissue, including but not limited to, bonetissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, neural tissue, dermal tissue,vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, or ligaments.The term “tissue site” may further refer to areas of any tissue that arenot necessarily wounded or defective, but are instead areas in which itis desired to add or promote the growth of additional tissue. Forexample, reduced pressure tissue treatment may be used in certain tissueareas to grow additional tissue that may be harvested and transplantedto another tissue location.

Referring to FIG. 1, a reduced pressure treatment system 100 forapplying a reduced pressure to a tissue site 105 of a patient accordingto an illustrative embodiment includes a reduced pressure source 110 anda reduced pressure dressing 115 that is positioned at the tissue site105. In one embodiment, the reduced pressure dressing 115 may include adistribution manifold 120, a cover 125, and a fluid pouch 130, each ofwhich is described in more detail below. The reduced pressure dressing115 is fluidly connected the reduced pressure source 110 by a conduit118. The conduit 118 may be any tube through which a gas, liquid, gel,or other fluid may flow. The possible embodiments of the conduit 118 arenumerous, and non-limiting examples follow. In addition, the conduit 118may be made from any material, and may be either flexible or inflexible.

The conduit 118 may include one or more paths or lumens through whichfluid may flow. For example, the conduit 118 may include two or morelumens, one of which may be used to deliver reduced pressure to thetissue site and one of which may be used to determine the level ofreduced pressure at the tissue site 105. Alternatively, one of thelumens may be used to deliver fluids, such as air, antibacterial agents,antiviral agents, cell-growth promotion agents, irrigation fluids, orother chemically active agents, to the tissue site 105. If fluiddelivery is provided by one of the lumens, that particular lumen willlikely be configured to bypass the fluid pouch 130.

The conduit 118 may fluidly communicate with the reduced pressuredressing 115 through a tubing adapter 145. The tubing adapter 145permits the passage of fluid, such as air, from the manifold 120 to theconduit 118, and vice versa. In another embodiment, the reduced-pressuretreatment system 100 does not include the tubing adaptor 145. In thisembodiment, the conduit 118 may be inserted directly into a component ofthe dressing 115. The tubing adaptor 145 may be located anywhererelative to the dressing 115. For example, although FIG. 1 shows thetubing adaptor 145 as centrally located relative to the dressing 115,the tubing adaptor 145 may be located at a peripheral portion of thedressing 115.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the reduced pressure source 110is an electrically-driven vacuum pump. In another implementation, thereduced pressure source 110 may instead be a manually-actuated ormanually-charged pump that does not require electrical power. Thereduced pressure source 110 instead may be any other type of reducedpressure pump, or alternatively a wall suction port such as thoseavailable in hospitals and other medical facilities. The reducedpressure source 110 may be housed within or used in conjunction with areduced pressure treatment unit 119, which may also contain sensors,processing units, alarm indicators, memory, databases, soft ware,display units, and user interfaces 121 that further facilitate theapplication of reduced pressure treatment to the tissue site 105. In oneexample, a sensor or switch (not shown) may be disposed at or near thereduced pressure source 110 to determine a source pressure generated bythe reduced pressure source 110. The sensor may communicate with aprocessing unit that monitors and controls the reduced pressure that isdelivered by the reduced pressure source 110.

The reduced-pressure treatment system 100 may include a reduced pressurefeedback system 155 operably associated with the other components of thereduced-pressure treatment system 100 to provide information to a userof the reduced-pressure treatment system 100 indicating a relative orabsolute amount of pressure that is being delivered to the tissue site105 or that is being generated by the reduced-pressure source 110.Examples of feedback systems include, without limitation, pop valvesthat activate when the reduced pressure rises above a selected value anddeflection pop valves.

The reduced-pressure treatment system 100 may include a volume detectionsystem 157 to detect the amount of fluid present in the fluid pouch 130,a blood detection system 159 to detect the presence of blood in exudatedrawn from the tissue site 105 (including the exudate that is present inthe fluid pouch 130), a temperature monitoring system 162 to monitor thetemperature of the tissue site 105, an infection detection system 165 todetect the presence of infection at the tissue site 105, and/or a flowrate monitoring system 167 to monitor the flow rate of fluids drawn fromtissue site 105. The infection detection system 165 may include a foamor other substance that changes color in the presence of bacteria. Thefoam or other substance may be operably associated with the dressing 115or the conduit 118 such that the color changing material is exposed toexudate from the tissue site 105. In addition to the above-mentionedcomponents and systems, the reduced-pressure treatment system 100 mayinclude valves, regulators, switches, and other electrical, mechanical,and fluid components to facilitate administration of reduced-pressuretreatment to the tissue site 105.

The distribution manifold 120 is adapted to be positioned at the tissuesite 105, and the cover 125, or drape, is positioned over thedistribution manifold 120 to maintain reduced pressure beneath the cover125 at the tissue site 105. The distribution manifold 120 of the reducedpressure dressing 115 is adapted to contact the tissue site 105. Thedistribution manifold 120 may be partially or fully in contact with thetissue site 105 being treated by the reduced pressure dressing 115. Whenthe tissue site 105 is a wound, the distribution manifold 120 maypartially or fully fill the wound.

The distribution manifold 120 may be any size, shape, or thicknessdepending on a variety of factors, such as the type of treatment beingimplemented or the nature and size of the tissue site 105. For example,the size and shape of the distribution manifold 120 may be customized bya user to cover a particular portion of the tissue site 105, or to fillor partially fill the tissue site 105. The distribution manifold 120 mayhave, for example, a square shape, or may be shaped as a circle, oval,polygon, an irregular shape, or any other shape.

In one illustrative embodiment, the distribution manifold 120 is a foammaterial that distributes reduced pressure to the tissue site 105 whenthe distribution manifold 120 is in contact with or near the tissue site105. The foam material may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In onenon-limiting example, the distribution manifold 120 is an open-cell,reticulated polyurethane foam such as GranuFoam® dressing available fromKinetic Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex. If an open-cell foam isused, the porosity may vary, but is preferably about 400 to 600 microns.The flow channels allow fluid communication throughout the portion ofthe manifold 120 having open cells. The cells and flow channels may beuniform in shape and size, or may include patterned or random variationsin shape and size. Variations in shape and size of the cells of manifoldresult in variations in the flow channels, and such characteristics maybe used to alter the flow characteristics of fluid through the manifold120.

In the example in which the distribution manifold 120 is made from ahydrophilic material, the distribution manifold 120 also functions towick fluid away from the tissue site 105, while continuing to providereduced pressure to the tissue site 105 as a manifold. The wickingproperties of the distribution manifold 120 draw fluid away from thetissue site 105 by capillary flow or other wicking mechanisms. Anexample of a hydrophilic foam is a polyvinyl alcohol, open-cell foamsuch as V.A.C. WhiteFoam® dressing available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc.of San Antonio, Tex. Other hydrophilic foams may include those made frompolyether. Other foams that may exhibit hydrophilic characteristicsinclude hydrophobic foams that have been treated or coated to providehydrophilicity.

The distribution manifold 120 may further promote granulation at thetissue site 105 when a reduced pressure is applied through the reducedpressure dressing 115. For example, any or all of the surfaces of thedistribution manifold 120 may have an uneven, coarse, or jagged profilethat causes microstrains and stresses at the tissue site 105 whenreduced pressure is applied through the distribution manifold 120. Thesemicrostrains and stresses have been shown to increase new tissue growth.

In one embodiment, the distribution manifold 120 may be constructed frombioresorbable materials that do not have to be removed from a patient'sbody following use of the reduced pressure dressing 115. Suitablebioresorbable materials may include, without limitation, a polymericblend of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA). Thepolymeric blend may also include without limitation polycarbonates,polyfumarates, and capralactones. The distribution manifold 120 mayfurther serve as a scaffold for new cell-growth, or a scaffold materialmay be used in conjunction with the distribution manifold 120 to promotecell-growth. A scaffold is a substance or structure used to enhance orpromote the growth of cells or formation of tissue, such as athree-dimensional porous structure that provides a template for cellgrowth. Illustrative examples of scaffold materials include calciumphosphate, collagen, PLA/PGA, coral hydroxy apatites, carbonates, orprocessed allograft materials.

Referring still to FIG. 1, but also to FIG. 2, the cover 125 covers atleast a portion of the manifold 120. As used herein, the term “cover”includes partially or fully covering. Also, a first object that covers asecond object may directly or indirectly touch the second object, or maynot touch the second object at all. The manifold 120 may be secured tothe tissue site 105 using the cover 125. The possible embodiments of thecover 125 are numerous, and non-limiting examples follow. While thecover 125 may be impermeable or semi-permeable, in one example the cover125 is capable of maintaining a reduced pressure at the tissue site 105after installation of the cover 125 over the manifold 120. The cover 125may be a flexible drape or film made from a silicone based compound,acrylic, polyurethane, hydrogel or hydrogel-forming material, or anyother biocompatible material that includes the impermeability orpermeability characteristics desired for the tissue site 105. The cover125 may be formed of a hydrophobic material to prevent moistureabsorption by the cover 125.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the cover 125 has a squareshape. However, the cover 125 may have any shape, such as an elliptical,elongated, irregular, polygonal, or human-customized shape. The cover125 may be provided in “sheet” form, or in a pourable or sprayable formthat is applied over the manifold 120 after placement of the manifold120 in contact with the tissue site 105. The cover 125 may include adevice that is placed over the manifold 120 and the tissue site 105 toprovide sealing functionality, including but not limited to, a suctioncup, a molded cast, and a bell jar.

In one embodiment, the cover 125 is configured to provide a sealedconnection with the tissue surrounding the manifold 120 and the tissuesite 105. The sealed connection may be provided by an adhesive layerpositioned along a perimeter of the cover 125, or on any portion of thecover 125, to secure the cover 125 to the manifold 120 or the tissuesurrounding the tissue site 105. The adhesive may be pre-positioned onthe cover 125 or may be sprayed or otherwise applied to the cover 125immediately prior to installing the cover 125. Prior to the applicationof the cover 125 to the tissue site 105, the adhesive may also becovered by an adhesive support layer or removable backing. The adhesivesupport layer may provide rigidity to the drape prior to application andmay also aid in the actual application of the cover 125 onto the tissuesite 105. The adhesive support layer may be peeled off or otherwiseremoved before applying the cover 125 to the tissue site 105.

In one embodiment, the cover 125 has an aperture 127. Liquid, such asexudate, from the tissue site 105 may pass through the cover 125 via theaperture 127. In some instances, the liquid may also contain solidparticles. Although the aperture 127 is shown to have a circularcross-sectional shape in FIG. 2, the aperture 127 may have anycross-sectional shape, such as an elliptical, elongated slit, irregular,polygonal, or human-customized cross-sectional shape. In addition, theaperture 127 is shown to be substantially centered on the cover 125.However, the aperture 127 may be located anywhere on the cover 125,including the peripheral portions of the cover 125.

The dressing 115 also includes the fluid pouch 130, which may be used tostore liquid, such as exudate, from the tissue site 105. The fluid pouch130 may be coupled to the cover 125 such that the fluid pouch 130 is influid communication with the aperture 127. In one embodiment, liquidfrom the tissue site 105 may pass through the aperture 127 and into thefluid pouch 130 as a result of reduced pressure being applied to thedressing 115. A one-way valve may be located at or near the inlet to thefluid pouch 130 so that fluid in the fluid pouch 130 is restrained fromentering the aperture 127. As used herein, the term “coupled” includescoupling via a separate object, and also includes direct coupling. Inthe case of direct coupling, the two coupled objects touch each other insome way. The term “coupled” also encompasses two or more componentsthat are continuous with one another by virtue of each of the componentsbeing formed from the same piece of material. Also, the term “coupled”includes chemical coupling, such as via a chemical bond. The term“coupled” may also include mechanical, thermal, or electrical coupling.The term “coupled” may also include fluidly coupled, in which case afirst object that is coupled to a second object is in fluidcommunication with that second object.

In another embodiment, the fluid pouch 130 may be positioned adjacent orin contact with the cover 125. The term “adjacent” as used herein refersto the positional relationship of two or more objects. Two objects thatare adjacent includes two objects that are close to one another and thatmay, but do not necessarily have to, contact one another. An object thatis adjacent to another object may be immediately adjacent with nointervening structure between the two objects, or alternatively, mayinclude two objects that have intervening structures or objects betweenthe two objects.

The fluid pouch 130 may include baffles, which help define fluidchannels, for directing fluid flow as will be described further below.Numerous illustrative embodiments of the fluid pouch 130 are possibleand a number of illustrative embodiments follow.

In an embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, the fluid pouch130 includes a first sheet 132 and a second sheet 133. In anotherexample, the first sheet 132 and the second sheet 133 may be a firstwall and a second wall, respectively. In this embodiment, a perimeterportion of the first sheet 132 may be coupled to a perimeter portion ofthe second sheet 133. An example of the width of the perimeter portionof either or both of the first sheet 132 and the second sheet 133 isrepresented by indicator 131 (shown in FIG. 2). However, the perimeterportion 131 may be any size that is able to facilitate the couplingbetween the first sheet 132 and the second sheet 133. Areas 136 and 138represent the areas at which the first sheet 132 is coupled to thesecond sheet 133, as shown in the schematic view of FIG. 1. In oneembodiment, non-peripheral portions of the first sheet 132 may also becoupled to non-peripheral portions of the second sheet 133. In anotherembodiment, at least a portion of each of the first sheet 132 and thesecond sheet 133 are formed from a single piece of continuous material;in this embodiment, all of the first sheet 132 and the second sheet 133may be formed from a single piece of continuous material. The firstsheet 132 may be coupled to the cover 125.

In one embodiment, either or both of the first sheet 132 and the secondsheet 133 is transparent. The transparency of either or both of thefirst sheet 132 and the second sheet 133 exposes the amount of liquidfrom the tissue site 105 that is stored in the fluid pouch 130. Thus, aperson is made aware of the remaining liquid capacity of the fluid pouch130 and the possible need to replace or empty the fluid pouch 130.

In another embodiment, the fluid pouch 130 is an expandable fluid pouchthat expands as liquid from the tissue site 105 fills the fluid pouch130. In one non-limiting example, the fluid pouch 130 may expand ineither or both of the directions indicated by bi-directional arrow 149as liquid from the tissue site 105 fills the fluid pouch 130. However,the fluid pouch 130 may expand in other directions as well. The edges ofthe fluid pouch 130 may also have a pleated construction to facilitatethe expansion of the fluid pouch 130.

The fluid pouch 130 may be made from any material, such as a flexible,stretchable, expandable, and/or rigid material. Non-limiting examples ofthe materials from which the fluid pouch 130 may be made include polymerfilms of various thicknesses including polyurethane, polypropylene, PVC,polyethylene, and/or polyamides, as well as coated fabrics orlaminations of any one or combination of the above.

In one embodiment, a method for storing liquid from the tissue site 105may include applying the manifold 120 to the tissue site 105 and atleast partially covering the manifold 120 with the cover 125. In anotherembodiment, the cover 125 may be applied directly to the tissue site 105without the manifold 120. In another embodiment, the method may includeapplying the cover 125 and a fluid pouch to the tissue site; in thisembodiment, either or both of the cover 125 and the fluid pouch may ormay not directly touch the tissue site. In another embodiment, themethod may also include coupling a fluid pouch as in any of theillustrative embodiment disclosed herein to the cover 125 such that thefluid pouch is in fluid communication with the aperture 127. The methodmay also include supplying a reduced pressure from the reduced-pressuresource 110. The reduced pressure may be supplied to the tissue site 105,the manifold 120, and/or the fluid pouch 130. The reduced pressure mayalso cause liquid, such as exudate, from the tissue site 105 to enterthe fluid pouch 130. The liquid may be stored in the fluid pouch 130.

In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an apparatus forstoring liquid from the tissue site 105 may include forming a fluidpouch as in any of the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein,including the fluid pouch 130. In another embodiment, the method mayalso include providing the cover 125 and coupling the fluid pouch 130 tothe cover 125 such that the fluid pouch 130 is in fluid communicationwith the aperture 127. In another embodiment, the method may alsoinclude providing the manifold 120, and covering at least a portion ofthe manifold 120 with the cover 125.

Referring to FIG. 3, a fluid pouch 330, which is a non-limiting exampleof the fluid pouch 130 in FIG. 1, is shown according to an illustrativeembodiment. The fluid pouch 330 includes a plurality of baffles 370 thatpartially defines a fluid channel 375. Reduced pressure from areduced-pressure source, such as reduced-pressure source 110 in FIG. 1,as well as liquid from the tissue site 105, may move along the fluidchannel 375 in a direction indicated by arrows 378. The baffles 370 maydirect the flow of liquid through the fluid channel 375. The fluidchannel 375 may also store the liquid from the tissue site 105. Thebaffles 370, as well as the fluid channel 375 formed therefrom, may helpprevent liquid from a tissue site from traveling past the fluid pouch330 and into other components in a reduced-pressure treatment system,such as the tubing adaptor 145 or the delivery tube 135 in FIG. 1.

All of the baffles 370 are substantially parallel to one another to forma plurality of fluid channel portions 390-396 of fluid channel 375. Eachof the fluid channel portions 390-396 are in fluid communication with anadjacent fluid channel portion. Such fluid communication is facilitatedby gaps 382 between the baffles 370 and a wall of the fluid pouch 330.

The fluid pouch 330 may include any number of baffles and any number offluid channel portions. For example, the number of baffles and fluidchannel portions may be varied to increase or decrease the liquidstorage capacity of the fluid pouch 330. The length of the fluid channel375 or the fluid channel portions 390-396 may also be increased ordecreased to vary the liquid storage capacity of the fluid pouch 330.

All of the fluid channel portions 390-396 may be substantially parallelto one another to form a plurality of rows. The fluid pouch 330 includessuch a row-like structure. At least two of the fluid channel portions390-396 are at least partially defined by a same baffle, including anyone of baffles 370. For example, both of fluid channel portions 390 and391 are partially defined by the same baffle because one side of theshared baffle defines a wall of the fluid channel portion 390 and anopposite side of the shared baffle defines a wall of the fluid channelportion 391. Similarly, each of fluid channel portions 393 and 394 arepartially defined by the same baffle because one side of the sharedbaffle defines a wall of the fluid channel portion 393 and an oppositeside of the shared baffle defines a wall of the fluid channel portion394.

For any two fluid channel portions that share a same baffle, a directionof fluid flow in a first of the fluid channel portions may be in anopposite direction than a direction of fluid flow for a second of thefluid channel portions. For example, fluid channel portions 390 and 391,which are partially defined by a same baffle, have fluid flow directionsthat are opposite from one another, as indicated by arrows 378.Similarly, fluid channel portions 393 and 394, which are partiallydefined by a same baffle, have fluid flow directions that are oppositefrom one another, as indicated by arrows 378.

The fluid pouch 330 also includes an inlet 398 and an outlet 399. Liquidfrom the tissue site 105 enters the fluid channel 375 via the inlet 398.In one embodiment, a reduced-pressure source causes a gas, such as air,to enter the inlet 398, pass through the fluid channel 375, and exit theoutlet 399 to cause a reduced pressure to be transferred though thefluid channel 375 and applied to a tissue site. As a result of thisreduced pressure, liquid from the tissue site may pass through anaperture in a drape and enter the fluid pouch 330 via the inlet 398. Theinlet 398 may also include a one-way valve that allows gas and/or liquidto enter the fluid pouch 330, but does not allow gas and/or liquid toexit the fluid pouch 330 via the inlet 398. In addition, the outlet 399may include a one-way valve that allows gas to exit the fluid pouch 300,but does not allow gas to enter the fluid pouch 330 via the outlet 399.The outlet 399 may include a liquid-air separator, such as a hydrophobicfilter or oleophobic filter, to prevent liquids from exiting the fluidpouch 330.

In one embodiment, the fluid pouch 330 may also include a tube thatfluidly couples the aperture (e.g., aperture 127 in FIG. 2) in a drapeto the inlet 398. Thus, liquid from the tissue site may pass through theaperture, through the tube, and into the inlet 398. The fluid pouch mayalso include a tube that fluid couples the outlet 399 to either or bothof the tubing adaptor 145 or the conduit 118 in FIG. 1. Providing suchtubes may allow the fluid pouch to have any orientation relative toother components in the reduced-pressure treatment system, such asreduced-pressure treatment system 100 in FIG. 1.

The fluid channel 375 may also store liquid from the tissue site,including any liquid that enters the fluid channel 375 via the inlet398. In one embodiment, the fluid pouch 330 includes an absorbentmaterial 372 in the fluid channel 375. The absorbent material 372stores, or immobilizes, the liquid from a tissue site.

The absorbent material 372 may be any substance capable of storing aliquid, such as exudate. For example, the absorbent material 372 mayform a chemical bond with exudate from the tissue site. Non-limitingexamples of the absorbent material 372 include super absorbentfiber/particulates, hydrofibre, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and/oralginates. In addition, the fluid channel 375 may include any amount ofabsorbent material 372. For example, the amount of absorbent material372 may be varied to increase or decrease the liquid storage capacity ofthe fluid pouch 330. The presence of the absorbent material 372 may alsohelp to minimize fluid loss or reflux.

Referring to FIG. 4, the fluid pouch 330 is shown according to anotherillustrative embodiment. In particular, FIG. 4 shows the fluid pouch 330having liquid 412 from a tissue site stored in the fluid channel 375.The fluid channel 375 is partially filled with the liquid 412 from thetissue site.

Reduced pressure that is introduced into the fluid channel 375 via theoutlet 399 causes the liquid 412 to enter the fluid channel 375 via theinlet 398. The liquid 412 at least partially occupies fluid channelportions 390-393, while fluid channel portions 394-396 contain little ornone of the liquid 412.

In another embodiment, the absorbent material 372 may occlude the fluidchannel 375 when all of the absorbent material 372 in the fluid channel375 is saturated with the liquid 412. Occluding the fluid channel 375 inthis manner prevents reduced pressure from being transferred through thefluid pouch 330, and may possibly prevent spillage or overflow of theliquid 412 from the fluid pouch 330.

In another embodiment, the fluid pouch 330 may have multiple fluidchannels that may or may not be in fluid communication with one another.In addition, the fluid pouch 330 may have more than one inlet and/oroutlet. In the embodiment in which the fluid pouch 330 has more than onefluid channel, each of the fluid channels may have a respective inletand/or outlet.

Referring to FIG. 5, a fluid pouch 530 is shown according to anillustrative embodiment. In contrast to the fluid pouch 330 in FIGS. 3and 4, the fluid pouch 530 has a circular shape. In other embodiments,the fluid pouch may also have any other shape, such as an elliptical,polygonal, irregular, or user-customized shape.

A baffle 572 of fluid pouch 530 is a spiraling baffle that emanates froma central portion of the fluid pouch 530. In addition, a fluid channel575 emanates from a central inlet 598 to form a spiraling fluid channelthat is at least partially defined by the spiraling baffle 572. Thecentral inlet 598 is functionally analogous to the inlet 398 in FIGS. 3and 4. The central inlet 598 may be adjacent, abutting, or otherwise influid communication with an aperture in a drape, such as the aperture127 in the cover 125 in FIG. 1, such that liquid from a tissue sitepasses through the aperture and enters the fluid channel 575 of thefluid pouch 530 via the central inlet 598. A coupling member might alsobe used in coupling the inlet 598 and the aperture.

Although no absorbent material, such as absorbent material 372, is shownin the fluid pouch 530, the fluid channel 575 may include an absorbentmaterial as described in any of the illustrative embodiments herein.Also, the number of revolutions of the fluid channel 575 around thecentral inlet 598 may be varied to increase or decrease the liquidstorage capacity of the fluid pouch 530.

Outlet 599 is functionally analogous to the outlet 399 in FIGS. 3 and 4.The outlet 599 may be located at an end of the fluid channel 575 in aperiphery portion of the fluid pouch 530. In one embodiment, areduced-pressure source causes a gas, such as air, to enter the centralinlet 598, pass through the fluid channel 575, and exit the outlet 599to cause a reduced pressure to be transferred though the fluid channel575 and applied to a tissue site. As a result of this reduced pressure,liquid from the tissue site may pass through an aperture in a drape andenter the fluid pouch 530 via the central inlet 598. In one embodiment,the position of the central inlet 598 and the outlet 599 may be reversedsuch that the outlet 599 is at a central portion of the fluid pouch 530and the central inlet 598 is at a peripheral portion of the fluid pouch530.

Referring to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the fluid pouch 330 takenalong line 6-6 in FIG. 4 is shown. In particular, FIG. 6 shows fluidchannel portions 392 and 393, each of which includes absorbent material372. The fluid channel portion 392 includes a covered portion 651 thatis covered by a saturated absorbent material 615. The saturatedabsorbent material 615 is the absorbent material 372, such as that shownin FIGS. 3 and 4, which is saturated with liquid, such as exudate, froma tissue site. The fluid channel portion 392 also includes an uncoveredportion 653 that is uncovered by an absorbent material. The fluidchannel portion 393 includes a covered portion 655 that is covered bythe absorbent material 372 and an uncovered portion 657 that isuncovered by the absorbent material 372. The thickness of the absorbentmaterial 372 on the covered portions 651 and 655 may be varied toincrease or decrease the storage capacity of the fluid pouch.

The fluid channel portions 392 and 393 are formed by coupling portionsof sheet 633 to sheet 632. The sheet 632 is substantially flat and thesheet 633 includes curved portions over the fluid channel portions 392and 393. In one embodiment, the absorbent material 372 covers at least aportion of the sheet 632. The sheet 633 may be uncovered by theabsorbent material 372. In addition, an inner portion of the sheet 633is adhered to an inner portion of the sheet 632 to form the baffle 370.An inner portion of the sheet 633 may be adhered to an inner portion ofthe sheet 632 in a variety of ways. For example, an inner portion of thesheet 633 may be welded, glued, sewed, pinned, snapped, or otherwisebonded onto an inner portion of the sheet 632. In the example in whichan inner portion of the sheet 633 is welded onto an inner portion of thesheet 632, the welding may be achieved using heat, ultrasonics, radiofrequencies, a solvent, and/or other welding methods.

In one embodiment, the fluid channel portion 392 includes a passageway618 through which reduced pressure is transferable when the absorbentmaterial 615 is saturated with liquid from the tissue site. In thisembodiment, the passageway 618 is present in the fluid channel portion392 when the absorbent material 615 is partially or fully saturated withliquid. By maintaining the passageway 618 when the absorbent material615 is saturated with liquid, reduced pressure from a reduced-pressuresource may continue to be transferred to a tissue site via the fluidpouch.

Referring to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of fluid channel portions792 and 793 of a fluid pouch is shown according to an illustrativeembodiment. The fluid channel portions 792 and 793 include absorbentmaterial 772, which covers a portion of the sheet 732. In contrast tothe sheet 632 in FIG. 6, the sheet 732 is curved at the fluid channelportions 792 and 793. Thus, the walls of each of the fluid channelportions 792 and 793 formed by each of the sheets 732 and 733 arecurved.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of fluid channel portions892 and 893 of a fluid pouch is shown according to an illustrativeembodiment. In FIG. 8, the inner surfaces of both sheets 832 and 833 arecovered with the absorbent material 872. In this embodiment, an entireinner surface of the fluid channel may be covered with the absorbentmaterial 872. The thickness of the absorbent material 872 on the innersurface of the fluid channel may be varied to increase or decrease thestorage capacity of the fluid pouch.

Referring to FIG. 9, a fluid pouch 930 is shown according to anillustrative embodiment. The fluid pouch 930 does not contain baffles.The fluid pouch 930 is operable to transfer reduced pressure to anaperture, such as aperture 127 in FIG. 1, such that the liquid from atissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch 930. The aperture would beproximate inlet 998. A gas, such as air, may be drawn from the fluidpouch 930 via outlet 999 such that reduced pressure is transferred to atissue site via the aperture. The movement of gas that may be drawn by areduced-pressure source is represented by arrow 949. The fluid pouch 930has a cavity 980 that stores the liquid that is drawn from the tissuesite.

In one embodiment, no absorbent material is contained in the cavity 980.In another embodiment, the cavity 980 includes absorbent material 982.The absorbent material 982 is analogous to the absorbent material 372 inFIG. 3, and may be composed of a same or similar material. As the liquidfrom a tissue site passes through the inlet 998 and enters the cavity980, the absorbent material 982 may absorb and store the liquid. Themovement of liquid from the tissue site into the inlet 998 isrepresented by arrow 950. The fluid pouch 930, and particularly cavity980, may expand as liquid fills the cavity 980.

The fluid pouch 930 may be formed with an envelope 984 that at leastpartially encloses the cavity 980. In one embodiment, the envelope 984fully encloses the cavity 980. The envelope 984 may be composed of anyof a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the envelope 984 may becomposed of a same or similar material as fluid pouch 130 in FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the envelope 984 may be a manifolding envelope thatmay be composed of a material that is operable to distribute and/ortransfer a liquid, including exudate from a tissue site. For example,the envelope 984 may be composed of an open-cell foam. In this example,the open-cell foam may be reticulated or non-reticulated, and may behydrophobic or hydrophilic. In another example, the envelope 984 may bemade from a non-woven material, including a non-woven materialmanufactured by Libeltex, Dupont, Freudenberg, or Ahlstrom. In anotherexample, the envelope 984 may be composed of a three dimensionalmaterial, including Supracor® fusion bonded honeycomb or XD spacerfabric manufactured by Baltex. In another example, the envelope 984 maybe composed of a molded matrix.

The envelope 984 may be composed of layers 986 and 988. In theembodiment in which the envelope 984 is a manifolding envelope, thelayers 986 and 988 may be manifolding layers. A perimeter of the layer986 may be bonded to a perimeter of the layer 988 at bonding sites 990and 991. Any bonding method may be used, including those previouslymentioned for welding.

Turning now to FIG. 10, a fluid pouch 930 is shown according to anillustrative embodiment. The fluid pouch 930 includes a manifoldingenvelope 1084 that distributes liquid 1092 from a tissue site along atleast a portion of the perimeter of the cavity 980. The absorbentmaterial 982 absorbs the liquid 1092, which is stored in the cavity 980.The movement of the liquid 1092 through the absorbent material 982 inthe cavity 980 is represented by arrows 1062.

In addition, the manifolding envelope 1084 distributes liquid 1092 alonga perimeter of the cavity 980 in a direction indicated by arrows 1060.Without the manifolding envelope 1084, in some circumstances theabsorbent material 982 may swell in the immediate area of liquid entryinto the cavity 980, and possibly cause a restriction in flow beforemuch of the absorbent material 982 is used. The manifolding envelope1084 helps to ensure that a greater portion of the absorbent material982 is exposed to the liquid 1092, thereby facilitating larger and moreefficient liquid storage.

Referring to FIG. 11, a reduced-pressure treatment system 1100 is shownaccording to an illustrative embodiment. Manifold 120 has been appliedto the tissue site 105, and the cover 125 covers the manifold 120. Thereduced-pressure treatment system 1100 also includes fluid pouch 1130.

The reduced-pressure treatment system 1100 includes a connection tube1112. The cover 125 is coupled to the fluid pouch 1130 via theconnection tube 1112 such that the connection tube 1112 facilitatesfluid communication between the aperture 127 and the fluid pouch 1130.One end of the connection tube 1112 is fluidly coupled to the aperture127, and another end of the connection tube 1112 is fluidly coupled toan inlet of a fluid pouch 1130. In one embodiment, the connection tube1112 allows the fluid pouch 1130 to be remotely located from themanifold 120 and/or the cover 125. Fluid may exit the fluid pouch 1130via an outlet connector 1135, which is functionally analogous to thetubing adaptor 145 in FIG. 1.

In one example, the fluid pouch 1130 may be located on a patient's skinat a site that is adjacent or remote from the manifold 120 and/or thecover 125. In this example, the fluid pouch 1130 may be adhered to thepatient's skin and/or clothing using adhesive layer 1142 and/or amechanical connection (e.g., strap). In another example, the fluid pouch1120 may be connected to or mated with any object that is remote fromthe manifold 120 and/or the cover 125. For example, the fluid pouch maymate with a hospital bed, wheel chair, and/or walking boot. The fluidpouch 1130 may be adhered to an object or person using any means ofadherence.

It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention havingsignificant advantages has been provided. While the invention is shownin only a few of its forms, it is not just limited but is susceptible tovarious changes and modifications without departing from the spiritthereof.

1.-68. (canceled)
 69. An apparatus for storing fluid from a tissue site,the apparatus comprising: a pouch; at least one baffle disposed in thepouch; a first fluid channel portion formed by the at least one baffle;a second fluid channel portion formed by the at least one baffle,wherein a direction of fluid flow in the first channel portion is in asubstantially opposite direction from a direction of fluid flow in thesecond channel portion; and an absorbent material disposed in both thefirst fluid channel portion and the second fluid channel portion andadapted to store liquid from the tissue site.
 70. The apparatus of claim69, wherein the absorbent material covers at least a portion of thefirst fluid channel portion and the second fluid channel portion. 71.The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the first fluid channel portion andthe second fluid channel portion include a passageway through whichreduced pressure is transferable if the absorbent material is saturatedwith liquid from the tissue site.
 72. The apparatus of claim 69, whereinthe pouch comprises: a first sheet having a perimeter portion; a secondsheet having a perimeter portion; and wherein the perimeter portion ofthe first sheet is coupled to the perimeter portion of the second sheet.73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the at least one baffle comprisesat least one inner portion of the first sheet adhered to at least oneinner portion of the second sheet.
 74. The apparatus of claim 69,wherein the baffle forms a wall of the first fluid channel portion andthe second fluid channel portion, the wall having a gap to permit fluidcommunication between the first fluid channel portion and the secondfluid channel portion.
 75. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein: the atleast one baffle is a plurality of baffles; and the first fluid channelportion and the second fluid channel portion are a plurality of fluidchannel portions.
 76. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the at leastone baffle is a spiraling baffle, and the first fluid channel portionand the second fluid channel portion form a spiraling fluid channel. 77.An apparatus for storing fluid from a tissue site, the apparatuscomprising: a first sheet having a perimeter portion; a second sheethaving a perimeter portion, wherein the perimeter portion of the firstsheet is coupled to the perimeter portion of the second sheet to form apouch; at least one baffle disposed in the pouch to form a first fluidchannel portion and a second fluid channel portion so that a directionof fluid flow in the first channel portion is in a substantiallyopposite direction from a direction of fluid flow in the second channelportion, both the first fluid channel portion and the second fluidchannel portion adapted to store liquid from the tissue site.
 78. Theapparatus of claim 77, further comprising an absorbent material disposedin at least one of the first fluid channel portion and the second fluidchannel portion.
 79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the absorbent isdisposed in at least a portion of the first fluid channel portion andthe second fluid channel portion.
 80. The apparatus of claim 78, whereinthe absorbent is disposed in the first fluid channel portion and thesecond fluid channel portion so that if the absorbent is saturated withliquid, the first fluid channel portion and the second fluid channelportion include a passageway through which reduced pressure istransferable.
 81. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the baffle forms awall of the first fluid channel portion and the second fluid channelportion, the wall having a gap to permit fluid communication between thefirst fluid channel portion and the second fluid channel portion. 82.The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the at least one baffle comprises atleast one inner portion of the first sheet adhered to at least one innerportion of the second sheet.
 83. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein: theat least one baffle is a plurality of baffles; and the first fluidchannel portion and the second fluid channel portion are a plurality offluid channel portions.
 84. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the atleast one baffle is a spiraling baffle, and the first fluid channelportion and the second fluid channel portion form a spiraling fluidchannel.
 85. A fluid pouch for transferring reduced pressure to amanifold positioned adjacent a tissue site and sealed by a drapecovering the manifold and the tissue site, comprising: a firstmanifolding layer comprising an open-cell foam and having an inlet forreceiving fluids; and a second manifolding layer comprising a non-wovenmaterial and fluidly coupled to the first manifolding layer, the secondmanifolding layer having an outlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to asource of reduced pressure; wherein the inlet and the first manifoldinglayer are adapted to be fluidly coupled to the to the manifold throughan aperture in the drape.
 86. The fluid pouch of claim 85, furthercomprising an absorbent material disposed between the first manifoldinglayer and the second manifolding layer.
 87. The fluid pouch of claim 86,wherein the absorbent material immobilizes liquid from the tissue site.88. The fluid pouch of claim 85, wherein the fluid pouch comprises anenvelope formed from at least two sheets coupled to each other at aperimeter of each sheet.
 89. The fluid pouch of claim 85, wherein firstmanifolding layer is disposed over the second manifolding layer.
 90. Thefluid pouch of claim 85, further comprising a liquid-air separatorpositioned between an outlet of the fluid pouch and a reduced-pressuresource.
 91. The fluid pouch of claim 90, wherein the liquid-airseparator is one of a hydrophobic filter and an oleophobic filter. 92.The fluid pouch of claim 85, wherein the drape is transparent.
 93. Thefluid pouch of claim 85, wherein the fluid pouch is adhered to a remotetissue site via an adhesive layer.
 94. A method of manufacturing a fluidpouch for transferring reduced pressure to a manifold positionedadjacent a tissue site and sealed by a drape covering the manifold andthe tissue site, the method comprising: providing a first manifoldinglayer comprising an open-cell foam and having an inlet for receivingfluids; and providing a second manifolding layer comprising a non-wovenmaterial and fluidly coupled to the first manifolding layer, the secondmanifolding layer having an outlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to asource of reduced pressure; wherein the inlet and the first manifoldinglayer are adapted to be fluidly coupled to the to the manifold throughan aperture in the drape.
 95. The method of claim 94, wherein the methodfurther comprises disposing the first manifolding layer over the secondmanifolding layer.
 96. A system for storing fluid removed from a tissuesite, the system comprising: a manifold adapted to distribute reducedpressure; a drape covering the manifold, the drape having an aperturethrough which liquid from the tissue site is transferred; and a flexiblefluid pouch in fluid communication with the aperture and positionedadjacent to the drape, the fluid pouch comprising: at least one baffle,and a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least onebaffle.
 97. The system of claim 96, wherein the fluid pouch furthercomprises: an inlet, wherein the liquid enters the fluid channel via theinlet; and an outlet, wherein the reduced-pressure source causes a gasto exit the outlet such that reduced pressure is transferred through thefluid channel.
 98. The system of claim 96, wherein the at least onebaffle defines a first fluid channel portion and a second fluid channelportion.
 99. The system of claim 98, wherein the first fluid channelportion and the second fluid channel portion are substantially parallel.100. The system of claim 98, wherein the first fluid channel portion andthe second fluid channel portion are adjacent.
 101. The system of claim100, wherein the first fluid channel portion is in fluid communicationwith the second fluid channel portion.
 102. The system of claim 101,further comprising a gap between the at least one baffle and a wall ofthe fluid pouch, the gap providing fluid communication between the firstfluid channel portion and the second fluid channel portion.
 103. Thesystem of claim 96, wherein the flexible fluid pouch is configured todeliver reduced pressure to the manifold.
 104. The system of claim 96,wherein the flexible fluid pouch is configured to deliver reducedpressure to the manifold through the fluid channel.
 105. The system ofclaim 96, wherein the flexible fluid pouch is configured to remove woundfluids from the manifold.
 106. The system of claim 96, wherein theflexible fluid pouch is configured to remove wound fluids from themanifold through the fluid channel.
 107. The system of claim 96, whereinthe flexible fluid pouch is configured to deliver reduced pressure tothe tissue site and remove wound fluids from the tissue site.
 108. Thesystem of claim 96, wherein the flexible fluid pouch is configured todeliver reduced pressure to the tissue site through the fluid channeland remove wound fluids from the tissue site through the fluid channel.109. The system of claim 97, wherein the flexible fluid pouch isconfigured to permit a gas to enter the inlet, pass through the fluidchannel, and exit the outlet when reduced pressure is supplied to theflexible fluid pouch.
 110. The system of claim 96, wherein the drapecomprises a substantially silicone base.